KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has to embrace more automation, including the use of artificial intelligence, to boost the efficiency and safety of the construction industry, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said increasing urbanisation would increase demand for the built environment, including going underground.
"The 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) lays out our commitment to enhancing connectivity and transport infrastructure, crucial elements in propelling Malaysia towards becoming a regional centre for innovation and development," he said during his speech at the opening of the South East Asian Conference and Exhibition in Tunnelling and Underground Space (Seacetus 2024) here on Tuesday (March 5)
The two-day event that saw the attendance of regional professionals from the construction industry organised by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) aims to promote Malaysia as a centre for tunnel-related endeavours, working hand in hand with global organisations such as the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA).
As far as using underground space is concerned, he said the country has a good track record such as the Stormwater and Traffic Management Tunnel (SMART), and transport tunnels such as those for the two MRT lines as well as the ongoing East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Baru to Port Klang.
"The policy outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan aims to accelerate technology adoption and innovation. It underscores the crucial significance of integrating AI and automation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution for the growth of the country's digital economy.
"By embracing AI and automation, we will not only enhance safety and productivity in tunnelling projects but also pave the way for additional innovation, building upon our past successes."
The use of the world's first fleet of autonomous tunnel boring machines (TBM) in the construction of the Putrajaya MRT line has heightened Malaysia's image as a credible source of underground construction expertise, with players such as Gamuda Bhd, which has landed tunnelling jobs in Singapore and Australia, among others.
Nanta said ongoing rail projects such as the ECRL are a testament to the country's commitment to improve connectivity and economic development across multiple states.
"Additionally, initiatives like the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail underscores our dedication to elevate Malaysia's status as a high-income nation through advanced transportation networks," said Nanta, who added that the Works Ministry is ready to support initiatives to strengthen the underground construction ecosystem to produce more skilled personnel.
"I am pleased that the IEM and the organising committee are collaborating with industry leaders and experts for this conference and exhibition, paving the way for more opportunities to work together in future," he said.
The conference began on an inspiring note with a touching presentation from ITA president Prof Arnold Dix, who gave delegates a behind-the-scenes account of his involvement in a rescue mission during a tunnelling accident in India on Nov 12 last year.
The collapse of a portion of the 4.5km Silkyara Tunnel that was being constructed in the mountainous region near the town of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand state trapped 41 workers, who were eventually all rescued after 17 days.
